Home hope Harrington in hunt

GOLF: World No 268 predicted he was ‘good value’ in this week’s event

Two days after telling anyone who would listen that he was “good value” to win a second Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Padraig Harrington proved his point with an opening 68 in the £5.3 million event.

Harrington, who is ranked 268th in the world and without a victory since 2016, carded an eagle, three birdies and a solitary bogey at Ballyliffin to finish four under par, a shot behind New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.

The three-time major winner’s score was matched by six players, including fellow Ryder Cup vice-captain Lee Westwood and former Masters champion, Danny Willett, while tournament host Rory McIlroy carded a 70 and defending champion Jon Rahm struggled to a 74.

Scott Jamieson is top Scot after his 69. Harrington has missed the cut in seven of his 12 events in 2018 but was surprised at the start of the week to find himself rated an at-best 66-1 chance to demonstrate his prowess on links courses and lift the trophy in Donegal.

“There’s not often there’s value in my game,” said the 46-year-old, who won the Irish Open in 2007, two months before claiming his first major title in the Open Championship at this year’s venue of Carnoustie.

“The bookies don’t normally get it wrong, but to put me out there at 66-1 on a links golf course in my home country was strange on their part.

“My performances always go up a level or two when it comes to a links course. Maybe they factored that in and that says I’m even worse than I thought!”

McIlroy was frustrated not to capitalise on some superb play from tee to green after reaping the rewards of some hard work on his swing with his coach Michael Bannon after Wednesday’s pro-am.

“It could have been a lot better,” McIlroy said. “It’s the best I hit the ball in a long time. I just struggled on the greens.

“I’m not walking away satisfied but I’m very happy with one part of my game and the positives outweigh the negatives at this point.”

Rahm’s 74 included back-to-back double bogeys around the turn, while playing partner Graeme McDowell birdied three of his last six holes to finish one under.

Richie Ramsay and Marc Warren shot 70s with Russell Knox in on 71.

Drumoig’s Connor Syme had an eagle three in his level par 72, but David Drysdale (76), Stephen Gallacher (78) and Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil, who carded a 79, all have work to do to have a chance of making the weekend.